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α-Oxidation of Indoleacetonitrile

Nature volume 184, page 1142 (1959)Cite this article

Abstract

IT is known that certain plant tissues can convert 3-indolylacetonitrile to the highly active plant growth substance 3-indolylacetic acid1–3 and we have shown that other plant tissues are able to bring about an α-oxidation of 3-indolylacetonitrile to yield 3-indolylcarboxylic acid which is inactive3,4. A recent publication by Thimann and Mahadevan5 describing the extraction of what is believed to be a hydrolytic enzyme from the stems and leaves of certain monocotyledons (Gramineae), which is capable of converting 3-indolylacetonitrile to 3-indolylacetic acid, prompts us to report upon experiments using a cell-free extract of etiolated stems of a dicotyledon (Pisum). A clear demonstration of the α-oxidation of 3-indolylacetonitrile to 3-indolylcarboxylic acid is given by this extract.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Research Council Plant Growth Substance and Systemic Fungicide Unit, Wye College (University of London), Nr. Ashford, Kent

    H. F. TAYLOR & R. L. WAIN

Authors
  1. H. F. TAYLOR
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  2. R. L. WAIN
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TAYLOR, H., WAIN, R. α-Oxidation of Indoleacetonitrile. Nature 184, 1142 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/1841142a0

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